Alex felt herself lighten as she inhaled the intoxicating air, the gas passed through her airways and travelled straight to her head. As she rocked herself on a birthing ball, Alex felt weightless. Though, her mind felt hazy. The room span a little bit more every time she consumed the gas, and a faint sickening feeling lingered in the back of her throat.

"Alex honey, go easy on the gas!" Her mother warned her, "are you even having a contraction?"

"It's helping with the shock," she mumbled with the tube trapped in between her teeth.

Theresa tutted before propping herself on to the bed, whilst Alex took another hit from the gas. She grimaced at the feeling of her temples vibrating, but the immediate high she felt overrode that sensation. Squeezing her eyes shut, she indulged herself in the relief and became oblivious to what was around her.

"Alex," a soft voice echoed.

Alex felt herself gradually start to come down again from her high, and the airy feeling suddenly became heavier, she felt uneasy, nauseous. She planted her head on the edge of the bed as a way to steady herself.

"Alex love, are you okay?" Her head snapped upwards to look at Mason, and he was quickly startled by how glazed her eyes look. She appeared distant, unaware of her surroundings, but she managed to muster a goofy smile. "How are you feeling?" He sat next to her and held her steady as she wobbled on the birthing ball.

"Okay," she croaked, "you took too long, so a nurse brought me some gas…"

"Yeah, I can see that."

"She got me this ball too," she stated chirpily as she bobbed up and down, giving a demonstration.

"I can see that too," he chuckled, "sorry I didn't mean to be that long. I got lost, but I bumped into Harper on her way back here."

"Harper!" Alex threw her arms in the air and lolled her head around trying to find her, "did you get my ice chips?"

"I've put them on the table for you, want some?"

Alex snarled, "no…" Her bottom lip pouted, "They'll taste of nothing!"

"That's the point, because you're not allowed to eat!"

"That's a load of crap, I'm hungry. Mason, get me some pickles."

"I can't," he chuckled lightly, "the Doctor said you're not allowed any real food. It's ice chips or nothing for now, madam."

Alex weakly raised her middle finger before ramming the gas and air tube back in to her mouth and inhaling dramatically.

"Alex, take it easy!" her mother warned again, "you're going to make yourself sick!"

"Bub a mormed…"

Harper chewed the inside of her cheek to help suppress her laughter, "excuse me? Say that again?"

Alex scowled and ripped the tube from her lips, "I'M BORED! God, are you deaf, jackass!"

Harper's small giggled soon rippled into a wave of hilarity with everyone else soon following suit. The contagious laughter radiated outwards into the hallway and as Justin made his way into the room, he couldn't help but find himself chuckling along with them.

"What's going on in here?"

"I have gas," Alex announced waving the tube in the air, "it's amazing. Try some!"

"I'll pass, I've just come because I've got some news." A smirked extended its way across Justin's face as his chest protruded outwards. "I know who might be able to help us with the baby."

Justin felt smug at the instantaneous response of relief from the others, their faces glowed as their worries slipped away and their excitement exploded in their voices.

"Who?" His mother asked beaming, her cheeks already ached from smiling.

"He's a doctor who used to work at Wiz Tech with Crumbs decades ago, Dr Dirbyh Cigam. But one problem, no one knows where he is. He just vanished one night, and he's never been seen since."

The atmosphere stopped dead. One by one Justin inspected their faces, once full of joy and hope, they were now expressionless. The silence became quickly deafening, apart from the sound of Alex inhaling on the gas.

"Not to seem ungrateful," Mason began timidly, "but then how does that solve anything? I mean, how can he help if no one knows where to find him?"

"He'll be able to help because we're going to find him! Max and Juliet are doing some research now. Plus, I've spoke to the Doctor, and she thinks he'd be our best bet."

"Sorry Justin, but I'm with Mason on this." Harper stated, "Ideally it's great, but to find a guy who's been missing for decades and then expect him to drop everything to help Alex, do you honestly think this is realistic?"

"It's realistic Harper. Okay, Max and Juliet are doing more research about Dirbyh. They're going to find out about how he practiced and what he discovered about hybrids, so at least then we'll have some idea of what to expect for Alex and the baby while we look for him. And while they do that, I will get in touch with Crumbs and see if he knows where Dirbyh could be. Apparently, he was the last person to see him."

Harper paused in thought, "ok so this is sounding more realistic…"

"When Crumb's tells me where he is, Juliet and I can go find him as soon as possible."

"But when will you speak to Crumbs?" Mason questioned as he maneuvered his hand around Alex's back soothingly.

"I'll go speak to him straight away. Actually, I'm excited to talk to him. It's been a while because he's been travelling a lot since he took retirement, he's been rescuing dragons with some of his old buddies from the council."

Alex took another hit of the gas and let out an ear-splitting cackle, "dragons! That's such a random hobby for an old guy. Hey, remember when we had that pet dragon! What even happened to that thing?"

Harper and Mason both turned to Justin and his mother, "please tell me this is the gas talking?" Harper pleaded.

"I wish…" Justin muttered in response. He spun on his heels and began to stride out of the room, leaving Alex behind him cackling manically to herself, when his Dad appeared flustered in the doorway. His cheeks burned red, and the minute drops of sweat trailing down his face became caught in the lighting.

"I can never get used to how big this hospital is," he panted as he rested on the doorframe. "I've done four laps of this floor, and every time I've ended up in the Gynecologists' office!" Another cackle from Alex erupted from within the room, instantly Jerry perked up. Almost sprinting into the room, he quickly composed himself, greeting everyone with a wide toothy smile. "Hey honey!" He cheered enthusiastically, "how are you feeling?"

"Great," she gave another drunken smile, "just… great!"

"She's got gas," Mason stated gesturing to the gas and air tube clasped in Alex's hand.

Jerry gave a chuckled and turned his attention to Justin, who was also watching Alex amusingly along with his family. "So Justin, How's it going?"

"Good! We have a plan, so I'm just going to call Crumbs and then we can get started!"

Jerry's brows knitted together, "Crumbs? Why?"

"Well, it's Crumbs. He's knows everything!" Justin shrugged, "Besides, we think he knows someone who can help."

"But how will you get a hold of him?"

Justin snorted, "uh maybe by this thing called a cell phone? Or even a Wiz-phone, or an abraca-doodler?"

"No Justin," his father began, "I was talking to your Uncle Kelbo last week and he saw Crumbs. It was during his visit to Southeastern Indonesia, and Crumb's said he was moving on to Costa Rica. He's doing a tour of the mountains searching for the Amaru. Most of those mountains are completely desolate, it'll be nearly impossible to get in touch with him."

Justin felt his stomach knot, he turned to the rest of his family and soon became saddened by their solemn expressions.

"Plan B?" Harper suggested smiling weakly.

"There is no plan B!" Justin exclaimed, dragging his fingers through his dark locks, "Plan B is {Plan A. Which is that we all go into this completely blind and hope for the best!"

Alex removed the gas from her jaw and grimaced at her brother, "But Kelbo knows where Crumb's is. He's in Costa Rica, so can't you just go and look?"

Justin gritted his teeth, "seriously Alex," he grumbled, "you want me to flash over to Costa Rica to look for Crumbs? Do you hear yourself?"

"We've been to Costa Rica before, it's gorgeous! You'll have a great time!"

"Alex this isn't time to plan a vacation!" Justin stressed, "Do you know how many mountains there are in Costa Rica, I'll never find him in time for the baby being born!"

"Okay, okay! Dumb idea I get it!"

Theresa approached her son and tenderly rubbed his shoulder, "can't you call and leave a message?" She smiled sympathetically, "maybe he'll get in touch when he gets home from his vacation."

"Really Mom, that's your plan?"

"Well, your Mom has a point Justin," Jerry started, "what else is there to do? You say you have a plan, and I trust it's a good plan. But until Crumbs gets back from the mountains there's nothing for us to do but wait. Look, Doctor Butcher is hopeful that both Alex and the baby will be fine once she has had the potion. The only thing we don't know is what will happen to the baby as he or she grows up, but we can deal with that once they're born. Then, when Crumbs comes back home, we can speak to him. We don't need to rush into anything tonight, we have time."

Theresa nodded, "I'm with your Dad on this one, I know we all want answers but in times like this we need to prioritise. There's no rush for this, it'll be years before the baby gets any powers. So we don't need to jump into anything we can't handle, let's get the baby here safe, and then when Crumbs comes home we can speak to him."

"Uh, hello! Don't I get a say in this?"

Mr and Mrs Russo glanced down at Alex in bewilderment, "what do you mean sweetie?" Jerry asked his daughter.

"It's my body," Alex's face scrunched as she continued to speak, "and it's my baby. So, don't I get a say in when we should speak to Crumbs?"

"Alex love," Mason started softly, "you just need to relax and look after yourself. You shouldn't worry yourself over this."

"How am I supposed to relax? All I can do is worry, because everyone keeps talking about the baby's powers, and it's scaring me! But now apparently, it's not important and it can wait?"

"Alex sweetie, your completely right. It is important and it's totally understandable for you to be scared." Jerry approached Alex, and she felt her eyes begin to sting with fresh tears. "But when you look at the bigger picture, nothing will happen with the baby's powers for years! So, the main thing for now is making sure you're both ok. And then when Crumbs gets home from his vacation, Justin can talk to him. We were all just worrying because we want what's best for you both."

Harper enveloped her arms around her best friend, "Alex it's ok for you to feel scared, everything about this must be terrifying for you. But maybe we should listen to your parents, and just deal with one thing at a time. The first thing being working out how the hell you're going to push a whole person out of your body."

Alex swallowed back her tears, "fine." She slammed the gas tube on the edge of the mattress, "I guess it's decided then."

"Well, I'll go fill Max and Juliet in on the plan then." Justin announced, "I might even get in touch with Wiz Tech and see if anyone knows how long Crumbs is in Costa Rica for."

"Good idea son!" Jerry praised whilst waving his eldest farewell. Once Justin had left the room, Jerry turned back to Alex. She sat pouting, arms folded firmly across her bump and avoided eye contact with all of those around her. "Now sweetie, is there anything you need?" He asked tentatively.

She gave a great huff and relaxed her exterior, "no," she sighed again, unfolding her arms. "I don't think so, I jus-" Alex halted and clawed the bed in front of her.

Jerry's jaw dropped at the realisation, as Alex clamped her eyes shut and fumbled for the gas and air tube. She shoved it into her mouth and hissed at the pain whilst Mason gently rubbed the bottom of her back. Edging closer to his daughter, Jerry wearily held his hand out, after withdrawing several times, he eventually lightly rested it on to Alex's shoulder.

"Uh, okay… It's alright, you're doing great honey!" The contraction continued to strengthen, causing Alex to groan and tense her body. Jerry soon felt his lip tremble at the sight, "Theresa!" He panicked, "quick get help! Call the doctor in!"

"Jerry, she doesn't need any help. She's doing fine!"

"But look at her she's in so much pain." He whimpered, "Is this normal? I don't remember you being like this the first time you were in labour."

"That's because you spent half the time in the hospital gift shop buying candy bars!"

Jerry's mouth widened at his wife's remark, "I eat when I'm stressed!"

"Whatever! But I'll tell you something, you're either in or you're out. I'm not having anyone scare Alex, she needs to be stress free!"

Glancing back at his daughter, Jerry felt his heart tug when he noticed how white her knuckles had turned as she squeezed the bedsheets tightly in her hand. "I'm out," he bawled, "I can't watch my baby girl in this much pain!"

"Por el amor de Cristo," Theresa muttered under her breath, "Harper, could you please do me a favour and take Jerry out to the others. I don't think he should be on his own for the time being…"

"On it," she declared removing Jerry by his shoulders, "come on Grandpa!" She called leading him out of the room, "let's go!"

Theresa sneered, "honestly that man, he cries like a girl!" She turned to Alex, "honey, will you be okay if I go check on him. I know he'll be with the others, but I've just gotta talk some sense into him!"

Alex didn't verbally reply, instead she nodded her head whilst continuing to chug on the gas.

"She'll be fine," Mason reassured Theresa, "go check on Mr. Russo." A smirk grew across his face, "I think he might need you more than Alex does at the minute."

"You're probably right," she scoffed, "I'll only be a moment mija!"

The door swung shut behind her as she strutted out of the room, and Mason gave a small chuckle as he turned his full attention back to Alex. "I'd hate to be your Dad when your Mum gets hold of him. Anyway, how are you missy, has the contraction eased at all?"

"Yeah, it's stopping," Alex panted. "Hey, can you help me get on to the bed? All of this gas has made me feel a little dizzy."

"Of course," Mason hoisted Alex off from the birthing ball and helped lay her back gently on to the bed.

As Alex propped herself up on the pillows she demanded, "lie back with me."

Mason shot her a soft smile and climbed next to her. Wrapping his strong arms around her small frame, Alex snuggled into his warm embrace. "You know, this is probably how we ended up in this situation…" Mason joked.

Alex snickered, "Probably." In that moment Mason's arms squeezed a fraction tighter and Alex breathed more slowly, her body melting into Mason as every muscle lost its tension.

The couple lay quietly, just simply enjoying each other's company. Alex stared up at the ceiling her mind over working itself as she sat silently with her thoughts, whilst Mason felt his eyes become heavier. Eventually they started to close, unbeknownst to Alex.

"Actually no," she spoke softly to herself, "thirty-six weeks ago that'd be around Christmas time, right?"

"Uh huh," Mason mumbled, "why?"

"Uh, the Wiz Tech Christmas party?"

Mason chuckled loudly, "oh yeah! Who knew the copier room could be so romantic…"

Alex hit Mason delicately on his broad chest, and instantly coiled herself back up into his arms. "It's gone so quiet…" She stated trying to distract herself from the silence, "it's so strange the room being this calm. I almost miss my Dad crying like a baby…"

Alex peered up at Mason, his breathing had now softened as he continued to drift into a quiet slumber. "Why are you tired?" She spat, "it's not like you're doing any of the work!"

"It's all this waiting around love, it can take it out of you." Mason sniggered as Alex once again sent a small whack to his chest, "maybe you should try and have sleep before the Doctor comes back," he told her. "You might feel a bit better."

"I can't, I keep thinking…"

"You, thinking?" Mason smirked, peeping through his squinted eyes.

Alex glared him in the face, "you know, you're feeling very brave tonight considering you're the reason I'm in this mess..."

Mason shook his head in amusement, "Go on then, what are you thinking about?"

"Uh, everything! This is crazy, why are you so calm, and I'm not?"

"I'm calm on the outside, not so much on the inside."

"But Mason, what if I've done something wrong? I mean, what if I've hurt the baby in some way?"

"You won't have!" He reassured her planting a kiss on top of her hair, "It looked fine on the scan, and the Doctor said the heartbeat is strong."

"But what about Felix's party last month, he bought that huge keg!"

"Pretty sure you drank about ninety percent of it all by yourself." Mason mocked, "you were hammered!"

"I know! Maybe I should mention it to my Mom. Actually no, I can't tell my Mom I was drinking!"

"Alex love, you're in hospital giving birth at nineteen, underage drinking will be the last of your Mum's worries. Besides, she's caught you sneaking in drunk loads of times!"

Alex felt her stomach turn, "oh my god!"

"What, is there another party you've just remembered?"

"No. I just realised, I would have been pregnant when we were in Italy…"

Mason's eyes shot open, "bugger. Yeah, we might have to mention that to someone…"

Alex's jaw dropped, "oh my god!"

"Oh, what now?" Mason exclaimed sitting upright, he turned to Alex who stayed cemented in her place. "What else could you have possibly done in the last nine months we need to worry about! Did you switch bodies with someone? Have you been bitten by a pocket elf or what have you, I don't know, turned yourself in to a sea monkey?"

Alex grimaced at Mason's remark, "those things have actually only happened to me once Mason. And no, I've not remembered anything else. But, I think I just felt the baby move…"

He stared in silence as his mouth quickly ran dry, "seriously?" He choked, his words becoming entrapped in the raspiness of his voice.

Alex's smile grew at its own accord, "it did it again, it did it again!" She beamed, pausing to feel the abrupt movements within her. She then suddenly grabbed Mason's hands and thrust them upon her stomach.

He paused and waited, over time his lips tightly pressed together as his brow furrowed. "I don't feel anything," he muttered.

"Just wait…"

After few seconds, suddenly Mason's hands sensed fluttering movements. His face glowed as his smile radiated, he adjusted the position of his hands to get a greater feel. "This is amazing!"

"I know, it just makes it feel so much more real somehow…"

They held each other's hands over Alex's bump and sat in the quiet, absorbing the small movements. Mason watched as Alex grimaced and writhed in her seat. "Are you alright love?" He observed her closely, "is it another contraction coming?"

"No," she winced as a spasm spread up her abdomen, "he's jabbing me in the ribs."

"He?"

"Yeah, it's obviously going to be a boy."

Mason snickered, "right ok…"

"It's true! Every first born in the family is a boy, my Dad, Justin, my Grandpa and my Mom's brother Ernesto. All the first born."

"Well, we'll stick with your theory for now then. But either way, boy or girl they'll need a name."

"Easy, I've had them picked out since like the fifth grade."

Mason's eyes widened, "wow, I didn't think you were that type of girl?"

"Every girl has their baby names picked out Mason, if they say that don't then they're lying!"

"Go on then," He smirked pulling Alex back into his arms, "what are they?"

"If he's a boy, which he will be, then Joseph Mason Gerardo after my Dad."

"Is the Mason part a crazy coincidence?"

"Uh, I just put your name where the baby daddy's name would go doofus…"

"And girl?"

"Roxy."

Mason stared expressionless, "Roxy?"

"Or Rory."

"…Rory?"

"Well, Roxanne or Aurora but it'd be Roxy or Rory for short. I like the idea of them having a name that we can shorten, like mine."

Mason squirmed, wincing as he repeatedly attempted to speak, "I'm sorry darling, but I'm not a fan. I'd have the full name as a middle name but being part werewolf and having a name like Roxy. Well, that just gives every bully the opportunity to make dog jokes."

"What names have you got then?" She snarled, crossing her arms firmly across her stomach.

"None. I mean, I really like the boy's name you picked. But I don't know, I'd want something simpler for a girl. Maybe like Ava or Eve? They're pretty."

Alex's eyebrows angled and she subtly nodded her head, "yeah maybe…"

"Or Ethel?"

"…Absolutely not."

Alex took a sharp breath and bit down on to her bottom lip as she grasped the bedsheets beneath her.

"Contraction?"

She shook her head violently, "my head… my eyes. They're burning."

"Oh god not again," He gently held her chin, "try open them for me again Alex."

"I can't!"

"Try please," he pleaded.

Alex's eyes narrowly opened, and Mason stared concentrated as he examined the colour. He felt his stomach retch at the sight of orange pigments quickly emerging threw her glossy hazel colour. "Oh no," he muttered watching as the colour burned like fire. Alex whimpered clutching her head in her hands.

"Alex love, I need to get help. I'll be one minute darling," Mason announced rushing out of the room.

Alex wallowed in her pain, her temples throbbing as the fiery sensation spread. She lurched forward as an explosion of pain intensified behind her eyes, and clasping her face in her hands, Alex gradually felt tingling building up into her fingertips. Lowering her hands, she inspected her stretched fingers, the tingling strengthened as the pounding in her head slowly diminished. Alex waited, her mouth agape, as she remained fixated on her fingers only for the prickly feeling to suddenly stop.

She continued to stare, but there was nothing. Then cautiously Alex lifted her hands to her head and gently began to examine herself, lightly patting and poking her forehead scalp before rushing over to a nearby mirror hanging on the wall.

Her reflection looked back on to her through the smeared glass as she stared into her own eyes. Her once shining orange iris had now shifted back to its dark colour, Alex shook her head. "I can't do this," she spoke aloud to herself, "I can't sit around and do nothing when I need to make sure my baby and I are safe." Alex felt a flutter come from within, glancing down at her stomach she tentatively ran her hand across her stomach.

"C'mon kid, we're getting out of here."